NEW BEDFORD — Admirals Bank is selling four Southeastern Massachusetts branches and corresponding deposits of $42.7 million to Bristol County Savings Bank, the latter bank announced Friday.

The sale, which includes two New Bedford branches, represents an increased emphasis by Boston-based Admirals on more personalized service, such as home visits, and a move away from physical offices, the bank said.

Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition is expected to close in April.

The purchase expands Bristol County Savings Bank's presence in SouthCoast. Based in Taunton, Bristol County Savings Bank opened its first SouthCoast branch in Dartmouth six years ago, followed by one in New Bedford three years ago, according to bank President Patrick J. Murray Jr.

Since that time, it has secured $100 million in deposits from the region and generated more than $100 million in loans.

The purchase from Admirals "fits perfectly within our strategic plan," Murray said. "Eight years ago, we looked strategically at where we'd like to go and the SouthCoast came right to the top of the list," he said.

With the sale, Bristol County Savings Bank gains branches on Rockdale and Acushnet avenues in the city, along with one in Fall River and one inside a Raynham Wal-Mart. The three SouthCoast branches, each a stand-alone building, will be maintained as Bristol County Savings Bank branches, Murray said.

Customers will see little change, according to Murray, and will become Bristol County Savings Bank customers after the expected sale closing in April.

"We're in the process now of matching (Admirals') products and services to ours as well as rates and fees," Murray said.

Admiral employees, too, will make the switch to Bristol County Savings Bank.

With branches in nine Southeastern Massachusetts communities and one in Rhode Island, Bristol County Savings Bank may continue to grow in the region.